Virtual Tour: Enduring Love by Wareeze Woodson

Born and raised in Latvia, Rebecca Balodis marries Rhys Sudduth, an English diplomat. Shortly thereafter, he is summoned home to attend his father’s death-bed. Rebecca cannot accompany him at the time and becomes trapped in the turmoil plaguing her country. He is informed she died in the upheaval.

Nearly four years later, she escapes and arrives in London with their son in tow. Arriving in the middle of his sister’s ball is very awkward, especially since Rhys plans to announce his betrothal to a young debutante later in the evening.

Trouble, tangled in suspense and danger, follow her from Latvia. Can this pair ever find or even recognize an enduring love? Is it worth keeping?

Excerpt

A liveried butler, stern of countenance and standing stiffly erect opened the door. “Your invitation, Ma’am.”

Rebecca trembled, but forced out, “Surely, I don’t need an invitation. Please inform Lord Rhys that his wife is here.”

Astonishment flashed across the butler’s face before he bowed his head and nodded for her to follow him. Sonja was seated in the hall while he led Rebecca to a small parlor papered with stripes of ivory and cream. The entire room seemed a little intimidating, with an elaborate sofa covered with gold brocade sitting before a wide window. Chairs were shattered about the room as well, but the beauty of the room did little to sooth her nerves. She glanced at the low table in front of the sofa then let her gaze shift to the fireplace, glowing with warmth. The softly burning coals added soothing comfort to the room and with that, her whole body relaxed.

After the butler exited, Rebecca quickly knelt down to straighten Johnnie’s apparel. “We want to look our best mans maz cilveku, my little man. You must learn English better now we are home. They are not expecting us, but no matter. Your father will love you.”

The door opened and Rhys stood on the threshold with a scowl of impatience on his face, speaking to the butler over his shoulder. “Some strumpet masquerading as my deceased wife. Be damned. You’re positive she said, my wife. Not a long lost relative wanting to sponge…?”

Rebecca jumped to her feet, took Johnnie by the hand and pasted a trembling smile on her lips. “Rhys.”

OUR REVIEW

Review by Sabrina

When I read the synopsis of An Enduring Love I was intrigued. Can you imagine the state of one’s feelings after finding out your wife, whom you were told was dead, was actually alive and well? Not only that but is standing in front of you with a son you did not know existed. The shock!

Just several short months after Rhys Sudduth married Rebecca he learned his father was ailing and had to quickly return to England. Rebecca and her mother were to follow shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, complications arose and Rebecca was not able to leave Latvia. After failing to come to England as planned and not responding to any of the letters Rhys sends to Rebecca he becomes frantic with worry and tries to find out what happened. When presented with Rebecca’s death certificate Rhys is shattered and broken. He grieves for quite a while before eventually moving on with his life.

Almost 4 years passes and Rhys is now the Earl of Blakenshire. He is about to announce his betrothal to another woman when Rebecca knocks on his door. This being a romance novel I assumed I could gauge how events would unfold, but here the author surprises me. To say I was thrown for a loop is an understatement. And while I had a multitude of raw emotions scattering about I could grudgingly understand why it was played out as such. My heart ached for Rebecca and I was concerned and anxious throughout.

As the story progresses we learn more about Rebecca’s life in Latvia and why it is she has been targeted by a Latvian government official, Gorgi Weister. Gorgi has come to England and has no intention of letting Rhys reclaim his wife. While our couple is trying to reunite Gorgi is plotting and planning. Will he succeed in tempting Rebecca to his side or will Rhys and Rebecca come together in an effort to stop Gorgi and heal their relationship?

While I found the pacing to be a bit too fast for my tastes, I nevertheless enjoyed the concept. If you have an interest in novels that contain suspense and lots of angst you’ll want to spend some time with this story.

Wareeze will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and an ebook of An Enduring Love will be awarded to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour.

About the Author

I am a native of Texas and still live in this great state. I married my high school sweetheart, years and years ago. We raised four children and have eight grandchildren, and grandchildren are Grand. At the moment, all my children and my grandchildren live within seventy miles of our home, lots of visits. My husband and I still love each other after all these years the stuff romance is made of, Happy Ever After!

Rebecca sounds like a strong and brave woman and to keep herself and her son safe for 4 years. What gave the idea for the story? I don’t think I have read a story with woman missing and not the man. Going on my Wish list!

Romantic Historical Reviews receives a small commission for any purchases made at Amazon. If you'd like to help us keep the site running, please use the purchase links in our reviews for any books you buy. Thank you!